Marshalltown board accepts five-year grant to add three school-based therapists

The Marshalltown Community School District board unanimously approved acceptance of a five-year Principal Group SBHSN grant to fund three full-time school-based therapists for the high school, middle school and Lenan building.

Board members were told the grant will fund three dedicated positions for five years and that the grant partner will be hands-on in screening and vetting candidates before the district proceeds with interviews. The district said it intends to maintain community partnerships with existing outside providers while using the grant to support the district's highest-risk students and families who lack insurance coverage for services.

During discussion board members asked whether the grant could reduce the district's reliance on existing third-party providers and whether the grant is renewable after the five-year term. The district representative said there is currently no indication the grant will be renewed after five years and that the district expects to receive additional guidance closer to the grant’s end date.

The motion to approve acceptance of the SBHSN principal student support services grant passed by voice vote, recorded as 4–0 in favor. The board directed staff to proceed with the grant acceptance steps and to provide future updates on hiring and implementation.

Next steps: the district will complete the grant acceptance paperwork, coordinate the grant partner’s screening process for candidates, and bring implementation details and any recommended reductions in third-party contracts back to the board for review.